VISION AND MISSION
The Wellfleet Conservation Trust was established in 1984 as a private sector initiative, consistent with Federal environmental law and Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution to assist and promote the preservation of open spaces and natural resources and to protect the rural character of the town of Wellfleet. This purpose is consistent with and supportive of the vision of the residents of Wellfleet who place a high priority on protection of our natural environment, precious natural resources, and improved access to open spaces. We share that vision. Hence the mission of the Wellfleet Conservation Trust is to conserve land in perpetuity for enjoyment by current and future generations.

Click here to go to the Declaration of Trust.

THE RESULTS OF OUR WORK
The Trust acquires land by gift or purchase, acts as steward for
its protection, develops walking trails and encourages the study
and implementation of sound environmental practices. In cooperation
with supportive landowners we hold conservation restrictions on additional
lands which protect those properties in perpetuity. Today the Trust
has 133 holdings, 104 of which are fee-owned and the remaining 29
in conservation restrictions. In total 360 acres are
protected. 65 percent of the fee owned properties or 213 acres contain some wetland . The largest parcel is
22 acres and smallest 0.02 acres.

Click here to go to THE COMPACT OF CAPE COD CONSERVATION TRUSTS website to view Land Trust Advantages.

A COOPERATIVE EFFORT
We are not alone in our conservation efforts. The Trust is a lead entity in an effort that is also supported by individual landowners, the Compact of Cape Cod Conservation Trusts, the Wellfleet Open Space Committee, the Wellfleet Conservation Commission, and the Massachusetts Audubon Society. Additional conservation efforts have been made or have received funding from various state organizations, including the Department of Fish and Game, the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs and the Department of Conservation and Recreation. For the past several years we’ve been fortunate to be supported by AmeriCorps.

We are also fortunate to have the Cape Cod National Seashore that preserves Great Island, the ocean shore, and tracts of land inland. But most of all we are fortunate in having townspeople, both year ‘round’ and part-time residents, who care deeply about our town and its beaches, meadows, woodlands, marshes, wetlands and wildlife habitats, and who promote and support the efforts of the Trust. Working together in close cooperation, we are all devoted to the preservation of natural environment and resources which contribute to the character and lifestyle of our Town.